US Bridges

CO 39 over Cowpen Creek

Fair

Russell County, Alabama · 10.5 MI S W Phenix City · Structure no. 007023

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
50 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
750
1981 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 39 over Cowpen Creek is a concrete culvert carrying CO 39 over Cowpen Creek in Russell County, Alabama. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 750 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,000 by 2031. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesCO 39
CrossesCowpen Creek
Location10.5 MI S W Phenix City
RouteCounty Highway 39
CountyRussell County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.33321, -85.05556
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic750 (1981)
Projected traffic1,000 by 2031
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$671,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO 39 over Cowpen Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO 39 over Cowpen Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does CO 39 over Cowpen Creek carry?

About 750 vehicles per day (1981 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CO 39 over Cowpen Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns CO 39 over Cowpen Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.